Park Commission Golf Courses Earn Environmental Recognition

The Somerset County Park Commission’s Spooky Brook Golf Course, located at Colonial Park in Somerset, and Green Knoll Golf Course on Garretson Road in Bridgewater have been named “2014 Groundwater Guardian Green Sites” by the Groundwater Foundation to honor the facilities’ groundwater and environmental stewardship. The two facilities join the Park Commission’s Neshanic Valley Golf Course in Neshanic Station and Quail Brook Golf Course, both of which have previously earned recognition.

In 2013, Green Knoll and Spooky Brook Golf Courses were designated as “River Friendly” by the New Jersey Water Supply Authority.

The Groundwater Guardian Green Site program recognizes green spaces including golf courses, ball fields, education campuses, natural areas, and residential and business sites for implementing groundwater and surface water-friendly practices. Qualification includes selection of appropriate plantings, tracking irrigation water use, maintaining a no-application zone around surface water and active wells, and applying fertilizer based on nutrient needs.

“This is another well-earned recognition for the Somerset County Park Commission and staff, led by John Zujkowski at Green Knoll and Billy Martin at Spooky Brook,” commented Darrell Marcinek, Director of Golf Maintenance. “We are continually proving that we can maintain the highest quality golfing experience while still protecting the environment around us.”